Lackluster PAOK misfire against 10-man Apollon
GREEK SUPERLEAGUE - MATCHDAY 3
| Apollon Smyrni | 0 - 0 | PAOK |
|---|---|---|
PAOK produced a lifeless display at Apollon Smyrnis on Monday, managing only a goalless draw despite playing for nearly an hour with an extra player after Axe Juarez’s first-first dismissal.
Razvan Lucescu’s team once again struggled away from their Toumba home stadium, hitting the woodwork twice but generally flattering to deceive overall against a determined home side who were desperate to hang on for a point.
PAOK, who remain unbeaten after three matches, were handed the perfect impetus to go and win the game when Juarez was sent off after 32 minutes for picking up two reckless yellow cards.
And although first Dutch midfielder Diego Biseswar in the 36th minute and Robert Mak in the final minute both hit the woodwork – the latter’s chance the best of the match – that was as much as PAOK offered.
The hosts showed more hunger, were tenacious in the tackle and eager to chase every lost cause, making life difficult for a PAOK team which should have been able to make its quality win the day.
Although the result is a very disappointing one for PAOK, they have collected five points and are just two points adrift of the leading three teams AEK, Olympiacos and Panionios, who all have seven points after Matchday 3.
